The Perry High School Speech Team doesn’t have to travel far to attend this year’s Large Group District Speech Contest, as they will be playing host, though they will have to wait a few more days to do so.
Due to inclement weather expected Saturday, the 21 schools coming to Perry for the contest will instead compete on Wednesday. Each will be competing for a shot at advancing to the State Contest on Saturday, February 2nd at West Des Moines – Valley High School. Assistant Perry Speech Coach Allisa Bahney says she has between 50 and 60 students participating in 12 entries this year, which is a jump from last year’s team. Perry will offer an entry in reader’s theater, three ensemble acting pieces, four group improvisational acting teams, two short films, and two television news groups. Those who receive a “I rating” at district will advance to state.
Bahney says she’s encouraged the students to soak in everything they can from the contest, whether they make it to state or not. “With the districts, they get a chance to talk to the judges. And so I really emphasize, you know, listen to what the judges say after you perform, because you get a chance to fix or improve before you go on to state contest. And then the day of, since they’re going to be so stressed, hopefully all the work that they’re going to be doing in hosting (the) contest will help calm those nerves down a little bit.”
The District Speech Contest will be held Wednesday, January 23rd at Perry High School, with the first events starting at 3 p.m. and performances held at 10 different centers. To learn more about the Perry Speech Team, click the link below to listen to the Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Bahney and Head Speech Coach Wendy Bollhoefer.